Birthing Instincts

Before getting into today's topic, Blyss and Dr. Stu discuss the maternity care crisis in California that has been impacting local birth centers. They explain Bandl's Ring more in-depth and explain how it's detected. Bandl's Ring is a constriction in the uterus and a sign of obstructed labor. It obstructs normal labor and can put the lower uterine segment at risk of rupture. Althou...

In this special bonus episode Dr. Stu recaps his remarkable experiences in Washington D.C. with Lindsay Meehleis and Katie Allen. They had the honor of attending the 'Make America Healthy Again' gala and be a part of history. The episode captures emotional reflections and insights into their advocacy efforts, aiming to bring significant changes to the public health system, particularly in...

Why isn't healthcare more personalized? This is the question our guest today aims to address. Alexandra is the founder of Just the Inserts, a platform dedicated to empowering individuals with accessible and transparent information about medical choices. In today's conversation, you'll learn about the reasons behind this lack of personalization, the role pharmaceutical companies play in...

Induced labors have pros and cons. For moms on the verge of delivery, it is fundamental to understand the whole scenery to make the best decision. However, interfering with the natural process can harm both the mother and the baby. Common risks of inducing labor are infections, postpartum hemorrhages, bleeding, umbilical cord issues, and general discomfort at the moment of delivery and even while...

Welcome to this week's of the Birthing Instincts Podcast! In this episode, Dr. Stu and Blyss share their insights on various cases submitted via email. They discuss best practices for blood transfusions during pregnancy and delivery, the probable causes and symptoms of Intrauterine Growth Restriction (IUGR), and the detection and risks associated with ureaplasma infection. Additionally, you wi...

Join us in celebrating a journey of health, inspiration, and empowerment as we welcome 2025! In this special episode, Dr. Stu and Blyss recap the year's podcast episodes, highlighting important topics discussed throughout. They also share the victories and challenges from both their personal and professional lives, along with exciting upcoming projects and plans for the year ahead. Tune in to...

In this episode of Birthing Instincts Podcast, Dr. Stu and Blyss welcome Jaimie Zaki, an LPN, doula, IBCLC, and mom of 5 dedicated to transforming breastfeeding support. The importance of breastfeeding for the mental and emotional development of the baby is undebatable. On the same note, moms can benefit from breastfeeding as well since it reduces the potential for health issues after pregnancy. O...

Today, Dr. Stu welcomes Dr. Rixa Freeze to discuss their paper “Twin Home Birth Outcomes” more deeply and all the topics related to this theme. You will learn more about the connection between twin pregnancies and breech birth and why it is common for one or both babies to be in a breech position, as well as the mode of delivery. Dr. Rixa Freeze has a PhD in American Studies from the University of...

In this episode, Blyss and Dr. Stu discuss the importance of identifying the things you can do to feel better when you feel overwhelmed. Pinpointing the primary source of overwhelm is important, but finding ways to find relief is fundamental to getting out of this state. The other important thing to do is to go back to the basics. Having a good night's sleep, hydrating well, and eating properl...

Today, Blyss and Dr. Stu discuss a variety of topics, which is always exciting. They reflect on the changes in the medical field over the last 30 years, the decision to take or not take vaccines during pregnancy, and the urgent need for both medical professionals and the general public to focus on making mothers and their children healthy again. They also emphasize the importance of prenatal care,...

Sarah Thompson joins us today to discuss the aspects of functional medicine and its connection to pregnancy and maternity care. Unlike conventional medicine, which largely follows a standardized educational framework, functional medicine focuses on understanding each person and creating a treatment plan to meet their specific needs. Another key feature of functional medicine is its proactive appro...

Holly and Eric Stein join us to share their journey from overcoming chronic health issues to pioneering a nationwide postpartum meal delivery service with Mama Meals. Bursting with passion for food activism, they reveal how nutrient-dense foods can be transformative not only for postpartum mothers but for anyone on a healing journey. With insights into the interplay between hospital protocols and...

Obstetricians regularly use terms like high risk, safer, evidence based and standard of care as if they all have an agreed upon definition. THEY DON'T! Today Blyss & Dr. Stu discuss the use and misuse of language and the corruption of definitions in the maternity care world. What or who determines the standard of care? Are labels of high risk indicative of high risk? Who should determine w...

Join us for an enlightening discussion as we welcome Dr. David Hayes, who brings his expertise to the complex realm of continuous fetal monitoring in labor rooms. Together, we highlight the importance of empowering laboring mothers with information about their birthing choices, as well as sharing our excitement about upcoming speaking engagements focused on home birth and physiologic birth. Blyss...

Join us for an enlightening conversation as Brittany Chambers, an integrative infant sleep specialist, shares her wisdom on co-sleeping—a practice that many parents naturally gravitate toward but find themselves battling against societal norms. Together, we challenge the conventional wisdom and prevailing beliefs around infant sleep, examining the intersection of modern science and ancient parenti...

In this episode, we are honored to feature Omari Maynard, an educator and artist, and Shawnee Benton Gibson, a trauma and grief expert. Omari shares his artistic journey, driven by the tragic loss of his life partner, Shamony Makeba Gibson, and Shawnee offers insights into her work with trauma, grief, and social justice. We explore the impact of systemic challenges in maternity care, emphasizing t...

What if the moments of greatest sorrow could reveal the most profound truths about life? Join Dr. Stu and Blyss in a heartfelt discussion about stillbirth and loss as we navigate the complex emotions and challenges faced by families and healthcare providers alike. We promise to provide an understanding of the statistics and causes behind these tragic events while emphasizing the importance of comp...

Dr. Stu and Blyss are joined by Cierra Rider and Chelsea Pinto, two inspiring individuals championing maternal care. Cierra shares her transformative motherhood journey and the significance of tapping into maternal intuition. Chelsea, a dentist with a unique devotion to maternal and family care, provides insights into oral restrictions in children. Together, we foster a constructive debate on topi...

Jamie’s journey is nothing short of miraculous. After being told by doctors that she might never have children due to her extensive medical history, she found hope and healing at a holistic retreat in Michigan. This pivotal experience not only alleviated her chronic pain but also transformed her outlook on health and shifted her career path from medical school to holistic health. As Jamie shares h...

This special episode is a re-release of episode 245 with the amazing Kristine Lauria. Kristine Lauria, an incredibly skilled midwife & storyteller, joins our podcast to share her amazing midwifery wisdom. Kristine specializes in high risk obstetrics and is a staunch advocate for autonomy in women's health, working internationally for MSF (Doctors Without Border) providing humanitarian aid....

In this episode, we explore the intricacies of childbirth with the esteemed Dr. Sarah Buckley, a renowned medical doctor and family physician. Sarah shares her unique insights into the hormonal physiology of childbirth, shaped by her personal experiences of home births and the influential teachings of Michel Odent. Sarah's profound advocacy for natural birth processes, combining her medical ex...

Ever wondered what it takes to provide accessible midwifery care in today's complex healthcare landscape? Join Blyss as she chats with Fadwah Halaby, a seasoned certified nurse midwife, whose journey from being inspired by Ina May Gaskin's book to navigating the intricacies of midwifery practice is nothing short of fascinating. Fadwah's insights shed light on the vital differences betw...

What if the secret to a balanced and healthy life lies in ancient healing practices? With Dr. Stu away in Australia, Blyss is thrilled to welcome Maura Moynihan, a versatile healer specializing in chiropractic, acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, and spiritual psychology. Maura shares her remarkable journey in the healing arts, her dedication to supporting families and babies, and the transformativ...

Blyss and Stu are back from the Born Free Breech and Twins conference in Kentucky and excited to share about everything they learned. They delve into the critical and often overlooked topics discussed at the conference, like the urgent need for proper breech birth training for obstetricians and the myths surrounding twin births. Through powerful documentaries like "Aftershock," Dr. Stu and...

Doctor, author & filmmaker, Andy Wakefield and doula and actress, Emmy Robbin join Dr. Stu in a conversation about the corruption of research, the media and the medical industry. We talk about the harm that is done and why they keep doing it. The director of Vaxxed and the new film, Protocol 7 shares his backstory, the lies then that are still being told and the triumph over it all as the worl...